Reduce environmental degradation and coastal erosion (GHAN0004)

Commitment ID

GHAN0004

Commitment Title

Reduce environmental degradation and coastal erosion

Problem

The current natural environmental conditions in the Anloga district are characterized by a number of problems. The Savietula-Dzita-Anyanui stretch of the district is facing a severe sea erosion problem. Each year Communities on the coastline in the district are subjected to various degrees of coastal erosion and storm surges. The impact is seriously felt along a stretch of over fifteen-kilometer length between Anloga and Atiteti-Fuveme with that of between Atorkor and Dzita very severe. The vehicular highway and other utilities such as power lines and water supply lines are under serious threat. The coastline of the district is basically all sandy beaches with an absence of rocky formations hence its susceptibility to severe erosion over the years.

In addition, the area occupied by the Keta Lagoon is so dependent on the amount of rainfall and also rivers and streams in the upper course that feed it. It can reduce significantly, particularly in areas when there is severe drought and the lagoon may recede well over kilometers. This is attributed to siltation and declining rainfall in response to climate change. At the south-western end of the district, (Anyanui-Bomigo), extensive commercial harvesting of the mangrove for domestic and industrial use has rendered some areas almost bare. These problems have aggravated the soil erosion problem, while adversely affecting both fishing and crop farming.

Status quo

The Assembly had implemented a number of activities over the years to help reduce the impact of environmental degradation and coastal erosion in the district. Over the years, there were a series of public sensitization to communities on the effect of human activities on the environment and how to curb the situation.
A summary of activities carried out over the years includes the following;
- Public education on habitat restoration/environmental protection/biodiversity conservation
- Public education on climate change, vulnerability, mitigation, and adaptation
- Tree planting
- Development control
- Enforcement of bye-laws on biodiversity restoration(restoration)
- Education on agro-chemical application
- Provision of alternative livelihood programmes (poultry)
- Provision of relieve items to support disaster victims

Action

In order to mitigate the impact of environmental degradation and coastal erosion, various interventions programs would be carried out in the district including the following;
- Support public education on disaster (Bush fires, domestic fires, industrial fires, flooding, tidal waves) prevention and risk management
- Provide support and relief items for Disaster victims
- Organize public sensitization programs on mangroves restoration and conservation
- Support tree planting in selected communities
- Intensify public education on climate change, vulnerability, and adaptation mechanisms
- Enforce laws on biodiversity restoration
- Development control especially along the coast
- Control development on fragile wetlands

How will the commitment contribute to solving the public problem described above?

The commitment will contribute to meeting the following;
- Reduced incidence of coastal erosion and environmental degradation
- Flood cases reduced to the barest minimum
- Increased hectares of tree /mangrove cover
- Reduction in cases of flood related disasters
- Reduced encroachment on fragile wetlands
- Reduced development on the coast
- Reduced cutting of mangroves

What long-term goal as identified in your Open Government Strategy does this commitment relate to?

The Commitments relate to the National Development Policy Framework’s goal of Safeguarding the natural environment and ensuring a resilient built environment

Specific themes include the following:
- Reduced coastal and marine erosion
- Reduced Environmental Pollution
- Combat deforestation, desertification, and soil erosion
- Promote sustainable spatially integrated development of human settlement
- Address recurrent devastating floods

Primary Policy Area

Crisis Response

Primary Sector

Environment & Climate, Land & Spatial Planning

What OGP value is this commitment relevant to?